VWvortex Creates a Super Beetle Project

On the heels of a record year for Volkswagen of America, with sales through September up more than 37 percent year-to-date, the brand surges forward by highlighting the modern, iconic Beetle. Volkswagen’s extensive heritage and memorable products have left an indelible mark on America’s car culture, with customization being an integral part. To honor this rich tuner history, several suppliers and customizers used this opportunity to highlight the Beetle’s bold design by developing a fleet of highly tuned show cars for the 2012 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.

The current-generation Beetle is the boldest ever and is an ideal platform for enthusiasts. In 2013, the Beetle celebrates its 75th anniversary and the brand is kicking things off early with the introduction of the VWvortex ultimate Super Beetle show car.

“Volkswagen has an extensive enthusiast following with products like the Beetle, GTI, Golf R and GLI acting as the platform for some of car culture’s most memorable aftermarket and show car creations,” said Tim Mahoney, Executive Vice President and Chief Product and Market Officer, Volkswagen of America. “As we approach the 75th anniversary of the brand’s most iconic product, it makes sense to honor the Beetle’s heritage together with suppliers and customization partners at the auto industry’s premier aftermarket show.”

Collaborating closely with performance specialist APR, the VWvortex team set out to transform a 2013 Beetle Turbo into the ultimate 500-horsepower all-wheel-drive hot rod show car. Under the hood, the VWvortex Super Beetle features a long list of enhancements including an APR Stage IV GTX Turbocharger System that boosts horsepower from 200 to more than 500.

To accommodate the significant increase in power, APR updated the fuel system and added a high-performance intercooler system, as well as a host of Stage IV components including; an ECU upgrade; high-flow cylinder head and intake manifold; high-strength coated pistons and wrist pins; high-strength connecting rods and bearings; an upgraded balancer shaft; and a balanced rotating assembly. An APR RSC Turboback Exhaust System was added to improve airflow while a DXD Racing Stage III clutch and Volkswagen Racing Short Shifter have been employed to help put all of the newfound power to the ground.

Speaking of the ground, the Super Beetle will sit closer to it with an H&R Adjustable Coilover Suspension setup enhanced with Volkswagen Racing StreetSport+ Camber Plates and H&R Sport Sway Bars. Additional chassis stiffening will come from APR upgraded front/rear motorsport bushings and APR lightweight/strengthened front uprights designed for the Audi TT RS. With more power comes the need to improve traction, so the APR team fitted the Super Beetle with a 4MOTION(R) all-wheel drive system from the limited-edition Golf R, complete with an upgraded Haldex all-wheel drive race controller. A Volkswagen Racing six-piston, two-piece big brake system was brought in from the UK to handle more rigorous stopping duties.

Not only will the Super Beetle be one of the most powerful Beetles around, it will also be one of the most eye-catching. ORACAL(R) Series 970RA Wrapping Cast, a lightweight paint alternative vinyl film will cover the exterior of the project car in a stunning Matte Azure Blue Metallic while 19-inch fifteen52 three-piece Split Formula TR wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires will replace the factory equipment. Fifteen52 also provided a pair of more aggressive Alpil replacement bumpers produced by Japanese aftermarket tuner Newing. Inside, the driver and front passenger are greeted by RECARO Sportster CS seats.

The VWvortex Super Beetle will be on display at the H&R Springs booth from October 30 to November 2. For more information on the build-up of the VWvortex Super Beetle visit superbeetle.vwvortex.com.

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